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Health & Fitness

Take the whole digestive process into account this March

The national focus shifts to colorectal cancer this month, and for good reason. Colorectal cancer causes the second highest amount of cancer deaths in the country and will be diagnosed in more than 136,000 individuals this year. However, colorectal cancer is just one of many diseases that affect our digestion system, and they all deserve attention.

To help individuals get a full picture of the digestive system, Griffin Hospital will host “The Ins and Outs of the Digestive System,” a free, two-part presentation on March 11 and 25. Health experts from the hospital will discuss how digestive system works and the signs, symptoms and causes of common digestive disorders. The first talk, on March 11, will focus on the upper part of the digestive system, covering topics such as acid reflux, GERD, and gastritis, and the second talk, on March 25, will focus on the lower portion, covering topics such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac, Crohn’s, and colon cancer.

Registration information for these talks is at the end of this article.

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A little embarrassing, but very essential

For some, discussing digestive issues can be uncomfortable, but digestion is critical to good health.

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The digestive system runs from the mouth to the anus. It is made up of a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube (known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract) and the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. As food passes through the GI tract, it mixes with digestive juices, which break down the food into smaller molecules. These smaller molecules are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream, which delivers them to the rest of the body. Unused molecules pass through the large intestine and out of the body.

Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. Simply put, if the digestive system isn’t working properly, the body will break down, so we shouldn’t let a little uneasiness keep us from learning about something so essential to our health.

Don’t hold back

It’s safe to say that practically all of us have had an issue with our digestive systems at one time or another. If you have discomfort or something doesn’t seem quite right, you shouldn’t be shy about talking to your doctor.

An estimated 60 to 70 million people are affected by digestive diseases in the U.S., resulting in

48.3 million ambulatory care visits, 21.7 million hospitalization and 245, 921 deaths each year.

There are many types of digestive disorders, and the symptoms vary widely depending on the problem.

In general, you should see your doctor if you have:

  • Blood in your stool
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Heartburn not relieved by antacids

Screening leads to successful treatment

Like most diseases, getting medical attention is very important in successfully treating a digestive disorder. This is especially true for colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine. It is common in both men and women, and the risk of developing colorectal cancer rises after age 50. You're more likely to get it if you have colorectal polyps, a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, eat a diet high in fat, or smoke.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include, diarrhea or constipation, blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool, weight loss with no known reason, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting. However, it can sometimes be too late to effectively treat colon cancer once symptoms occur, so

it's important to have screening tests. Everyone over 50 should get screened. Tests include colonoscopy and tests for blood in the stool. Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination. Surgery can usually cure it when it is found early.

To find out more about the digestive system and digestive disorders, come to “The Ins and Outs of the Digestive System” on March 11 and 25. Register now for the March 11 talk and the March 25 talk. You can also register or get more information at 203.732.1511.

About Tuesday Talks

“The Ins and Outs of the Digestive System” is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. To find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks, visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.

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